Amid growing controversy, the Center has asked Netflix to remove the teaser and other promotional content of Manoj Bajpayee starrer Ghooskhor Pandat. The film ran into trouble shortly after its trailer was released. with sections that oppose the title and describe it as hurtful and disrespectful. Following the backlash, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey apologized and announced that all promotional material had been removed from social media. Now, the government has formally ordered the streaming platform to also remove the trailer and other promotional content.
A senior BJP leader told PTI: “Take fast Taking action on the matter, the Center has asked Netflix to remove the teaser and all other promotional content of the film. “Anything that goes against any society is completely unacceptable.”
Reacting to the development, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia posted on X in Hindi, praising the Centre’s move. He wrote, “We wholeheartedly commend the Centre’s swift and decisive action. Offensive content like the derogatory film Ghooskhor Pandat has not only been removed from the platform but an FIR has also been registered in the case.”
He further added, “We are committed to taking the strictest possible action against those who demand commercial gains from any caste or community. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas remains our guiding principle.”
Neeraj Pandey’s clarification
Earlier, Neeraj Pandey had taken to Instagram to clarify the makers’ stance on the film’s title and announce the withdrawal of promotional material. In his statement, he said: “Our film is a fictional police drama, and the term ‘Pandat’ is simply used as a colloquial name for a fictional character. The story focuses on the actions and choices of an individual and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion or community. We understand that the title has caused harm to some viewers, and we genuinely acknowledge those feelings. In light of these concerns, we have decided to withdraw all promotional material for the time being, as we believe the film should be experienced in its entirety and “understood in the context of the story we intended to tell, rather than judging it by partial glimpses. We look forward to sharing the film with audiences soon.”
What went wrong?
The controversy intensified after an FIR was registered at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow against the makers, alleging that the title of the film hurts religious and caste sentiments. The complaint names Neeraj Pandey and his team.
On the other hand, Mahender Chaturvedi filed a writ petition before the Delhi High Court, seeking a stay on the release of the Netflix film, alleging that the title is communally offensive.
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The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) also issued a notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after receiving a complaint stating that the title “promotes negative stereotypes” and “vilifies a recognized social group.”
According to the complaint filed by Sanjeev Newar, founder of Gems of Bollywood, the film allegedly contains “casteist and discriminatory content.” Filed on February 3, the complaint stated that promoting such a title reflects “gross insensitivity and disregard for the social fabric of India.”
Title Clearance Dispute
The filmmakers have also been criticized for allegedly failing to obtain mandatory permission for the film’s title. Film Makers Combine (FMC), a Bombay-grassroots organization, raised objections and sent a notice to the production house.
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According to ANI, FMC stated in its notice: “You are a genuine member of IMPPA. As per our official records, you have not applied for the title ‘Ghooskhor Pandat’. As per the rules and regulations of Film Makers Combine, an unauthorized title that has not been applied for or granted cannot be used.”
A separate notice was also issued to Netflix, stating that unauthorized use of the title violates FMC rules and regulations.
Now that the Centre’s directive’s teaser has been removed, the film remains under scrutiny as legal and regulatory proceedings continue.